What Women Need To Know About Type 2 Diabetes

During November we often think of turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. Ironically, the month that we often overeat and celebrate Thanksgiving is also Diabetes Awareness Month. Over 29 million Americans are living with diabetes, which is about 1 in 11 individuals. Type 2 diabetes is a disease where blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high, which if unmanaged can result in serious health complications. Although, diabetes is an equal opportunity disease impacting both men and women, there are a few risk factors that are specific to females.

Listen up! This is your health we’re talking about! These are the top five Type 2 diabetes risk factors that women should pay attention to:

PCOSPolycystic Ovarian Syndrome— a condition that causes cysts on the ovaries and is characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and obesity is also a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.

GESTATIONAL DIABETESDid you have a child that weighed more than 9lbs at birth or were you diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy? You may be at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes within the next five to seven years.

APPLE OR PEAR SHAPED?
Being overweight increases the amount of fatty tissue, which increases the body’s insulin resistance—making it difficult for for the body’s cells to use insulin, the hormone involved in blood glucose regulation. While being overweight is a risk factor, where you distribute extra weight can also make a difference. If your body primarily stores fat in the abdomen (apple shape) versus in other locations like your hips and thighs (pear shape) than you are at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

INACTIVITY
Physical activity is like free medicine for your body! Incorporating regular physical activity can help with weight management, helps lower blood glucose levels and improves insulin resistance. If you aren’t regularly active, you are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes.

FAMILY HISTORY
If you’ve had a parent that has or had Type 2 diabetes you are at higher risk for developing it yourself.

If you are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes and/or have already been diagnosed with Prediabetes, a condition where you blood glucose levels are high but not yet high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, there are action steps you can take to reduce your risk:

#1. Get ActiveSmall amounts of regular physical activity at least 150 minutes a week can help reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Focus on incorporating activities that you enjoy.

#2. Focus on a Healthy DietSwapping the sodas for seltzer and filling ½ your plate with vegetables are two simple ways to improve your food and beverage choices. Remember even small dietary changes can make a difference.

#3. Aim for a Small Amount of Weight LossSmall amounts of weight loss can make a big difference in reducing your risk. If you are overweight, aim to lose about 5% of your current weight. For example, if someone weighs about 200lbs, their weight loss goal should be a weight loss of 10lbs.

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